So here's where I'm at: Unable to use Nvidia drivers, have approximately 15 versions of xorg.conf in my /X11 directory, and still no further progress. I'm afraid to do a re-install since I've read posts where install won't start under 8800 GT.

Getting myself confused and frustrated, figured it would be a good time to ask for help. Where do I go from here? Is there a way to "clean slate" my xorf.conf file (is it needed)? Would love to use my shiny new card, but if all else fails I'll put the old one back in and return the new card :(.

tvtech

May 5th, 2008, 02:09 AM

to fix your xorg file and bring it to default type
sudo dpkg-reconfigure -phigh xserver-xorg in a terminal.

not sure about the 8800 gt I'm still running something that's pretty old and has it's own host of issues.

you might for confusion sake just want to navigate to your X11 file and delete all the extra copies just don't delete all of them you'll need at least one. if I remember right you'll need to navigate to it as root or just use sudo from the terminal

oldweasel

May 5th, 2008, 02:10 AM

Thanks for the quick reply! any ideas on how to fix my card issue?

EDIT: Re-installed nvidia 69.12 drivers via Envy, same issue as above, but now I don't even show the card under Ubuntu restricted drivers. Not really sure where to turn....

# xorg.conf (X.Org X Window System server configuration file)
#
# This file was generated by dexconf, the Debian X Configuration tool, using
# values from the debconf database.
#
# Edit this file with caution, and see the xorg.conf manual page.
# (Type "man xorg.conf" at the shell prompt.)
#
# This file is automatically updated on xserver-xorg package upgrades *only*
# if it has not been modified since the last upgrade of the xserver-xorg
# package.
#
# If you have edited this file but would like it to be automatically updated
# again, run the following command:
# sudo dpkg-reconfigure -phigh xserver-xorg

## default num
# Set the default entry to the entry number NUM. Numbering starts from 0, and
# the entry number 0 is the default if the command is not used.
#
# You can specify 'saved' instead of a number. In this case, the default entry
# is the entry saved with the command 'savedefault'.
# WARNING: If you are using dmraid do not use 'savedefault' or your
# array will desync and will not let you boot your system.
default 0

1.) Download the correct Linux drivers from the NVIDIA web site.
2.) Press CTRL+ALT+F2
3.) Login
4.) Type in: "sudo su"
5.) Type in your user password
6.) Type in: "/etc/init.d/gdm stop"
7.) Type in: "apt-get install build-essential"
8.) Goto the location where you downloaded the NVIDIA driver
9.) Type in: "sh NVIDIA_DRIVER_FILE_NAME"
10.) Go through the prompts, (let it remove any old drivers) say no to search for kernel module... it will compile and what not.. then say yes to let it overwrite your xorg.conf file.
11.) Once the install is done, type in: "/etc/init.d/gdm start"
12.) You should see the NVIDIA logo when it starts up
13.) Now, open up a terminal within gnome (applications > accessories > terminal)
14.) Type in: "sudo nvidia-settings"
15.) Type in your password if prompted
16.) Expand the window that pops up, it always shows up as a small little box for me... make it as large as you can
17.) Now you can use the NVIDIA settings program to make changes to resolution, multi-monitors, etc...

Note that anytime you update your kernel, you'll have to do this because the driver is tied to the kernel... I think.

Victormd

May 5th, 2008, 02:50 AM

So here's where I'm at: Unable to use Nvidia drivers, have approximately 15 versions of xorg.conf in my /X11 directory, and still no further progress. I'm afraid to do a re-install since I've read posts where install won't start under 8800 GT.

I have an 8800GT as well and I ran into problems when upgrading from gutsy to hardy. Wouldn't work for anything in this world so I just reinstalled... works like a charm!!!
Installed a clean Hardy (don't recall having to use safe graphics mode), before any attempt to install the graphics card, select all sources in the repositories (system>administration>software sources) then reload (or type sudo apt-get update in the terminal) and reboot. This will "fix" the restricted drivers issue (initially the driver is marked but not in use - at least in my case) and you'll be able to select and install from there with no problem at all!! This worked for me. Later, I broke ubuntu again (different issue) and gave it a shot using envy-ng and it worked just as good. Search for envyng and 3 options should come up. If you're using Ubuntu, install the envyng-gtk. If you're using Kubuntu, install the envyng-qt. Once installed, the program will show under Applications>System Tools.
Run the program and it should install the driver properly.